Outdoor Digital Signage for Theme Parks
Brief History of Theme Parks
Amusement parks trace their origins to the religious festivals and trade fairs of ancient and medieval times. Over time, entertainers and traveling salesmen began gathering at these events to perform tricks and sell goods to large crowds. As these gatherings grew in popularity, parks started upgrading their facilities, attracting circuses, and developing new moving rides.
Moving rides and particularly the rollercoasters are key component of amusement parks. The rollercoaster's origins lie in the Russian artificial ice slides of the 15th and 16th centuries. These “flying mountains” were long, tall, fast and dangerous. Technological advancements eventually enabled similar rides to operate anywhere. Initially powered by steam, real progress came with the widespread use of electricity, giving theme parks their modern look.
Catherine The Great Visiting The Ice Mountain Saint Petersburg 1788 Painting Benjamin Patersson; Source: masterart.com
Amusement parks as we know them today
As theme parks continued to evolve, technology played a vital role, not only in developing new and exciting rides and experiences but also in providing information and promoting services. Outdoor digital signage is one key solution that can significantly improve how parks operate and interact with guests. By offering real-time information, guiding visitors, and improving queue management, digital signage can transform a day at the park into a smooth, enjoyable experience.
The lack of advanced technological solutions can present a barrier between satisfying, returning visitor or bad experience. With the word of visitor in Europa-Park, a third largest EU amusement park, before it updated its digital signage network: “Definitely 5 stars for kids. The reasons I gave 3 stars because they could use some new technology to ease our life & guide us inside the park. The current mobile app is not that supportive. Beside, car parking is a bit far from the enterance. It would take 15 minutes walking if you have 5 years kid walking next to you. Anyway, it was too fun for kids and that was the target.” Hisham Alhajer (Source: Google review).
Interactive way finding digital signage at Futuroscope, France; Source: Infinitus gallery.
Custom Outdoor Digital Signage in Theme Parks
While digital signage in amusement parks is similar to other digital signage, it has its own unique requirements. In contrast to signs for digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising, where enclosure design is minimalistic and the main focus is solely on the displayed ad, custom enclosures in theme parks play a vital role in providing a comprehensive experience.
Theme parks are designed to immerse visitors in different worlds or themes, and digital signage enclosures must match the park’s aesthetic. A well-designed enclosure can blend into the environment, whether it’s a fairytale setting, futuristic world, or adventure theme, adding to the storytelling and not disrupting the atmosphere.
A good example of best practices is Europa-Park, which collaborated with the well-known outdoor digital signage manufacturer Infinitus to develop unique, branded wayfinding kiosks. Their extensive network of digital signage features a specific design for each themed section of the park. This approach ensures that the signage enhances the visitor experience with wayfinding information without disrupting the immersive atmosphere by reminding them of the outside world.
Intelligence means reliability
While the design of digital signage plays an important role in enhancing the visitor experience, reliability remains the most crucial factor. Inactive or malfunctioning signs can cause visitors to get lost or waste time searching for attractions, leading to frustration and a negative experience. Additionally, unreliable signage can raise concerns about the park’s organization and safety. A dependable digital signage system not only effectively guides visitors but also reassures them, reflecting the professionalism and quality of the park’s operations.
Outdoor digital signage operates in demanding environments and typically functions 24/7. These requirements make signage systems complex solutions, as they must handle continuous operation under harsh conditions. As complexity increases, so do potential issues. Digital signage systems must be capable of analyzing and resolving smaller problems autonomously to maintain uninterrupted operation.
Much like roller coasters, outdoor digital signage has undergone technological advancements. One of the first innovations was temperature thresholds and automatic LCD panel shutdown. The logic behind it was that the LCD panel, is not only the most expensive integrated component but also a heat source. To protect the panel, the system would shut it down while keeping thermal management active until a technician arrived to resolve the underlying issue.
Modern intelligent digital signage has come a long way from those simple mechanisms. Today's systems feature numerous sensors and autonomous operating capabilities. Custom developed software allows administrators to set predefined thresholds that trigger automatic email notifications, alerting designated staff before issues escalate. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and reduces disruptions to theme park operations.
A prime example of such advanced diagnostic software is Controlmotion Advance, which powers imotion digital signage. Controlmotion operates 24/7, 365 days a year, providing system administrators with real-time updates, full control over imotion signage at any moment and on-site call in case of failure. This constant vigilance is critical for quickly identifying and resolving issues, ensuring minimal disruptions to amusement park operations.
Controlmotion Advance software example
Conclusion
The evolution of theme parks from their early origins to the high-tech experiences of today has been fueled by advancements in both attractions and supporting technologies. Among these, outdoor digital signage has become a critical tool for enhancing visitor satisfaction, providing real-time information, guiding guests, and improving overall park operations.
By combining thoughtful design and advanced technology, modern digital signage enhances both park operations and visitor satisfaction, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless experience for all.